May 22, 2014 -- Santa Monica residents and visitors as well as those just passing through might have to go easier on the gas pedal. City staff has proposed a reduction to the speed limit for six segments of the city and setting a 15 mph maximum for 18 areas near local schools on days they are in session.

The proposal also calls for speed limit signs in some areas that don’t have them. The City Council will consider these recommendations at its meeting next Tuesday.

The 15mph limit will be introduced to 18 areas “less than 500 feet from or passing a school building or grounds,” according to the staff report. This includes areas near all of Santa Monica’s public schools.

These recommendations are based on an engineering and traffic survey conducted late last year for the City by consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates. The staff report says the proposed new limits would put those street segments in consistency with adjacent areas or similar areas.